Students Plan Rally Over HKU Head's Statement

The Hong Kong University Students' Union (HKUSU) is to hold a rally on campus on Friday to express its discontent with the university's vice-chancellor, Zhang Xiang, for condemning anti-extradition law protesters and the vandalising of the Legislative Council building on July 1.

In a statement, the union described Professor Zhang as being "cold blooded and unsympathetic" for failing to protect and defend students.

It said that as the head of the institution, Zhang should instead have condemned the government as it is the authorities' disregard for the voices of the protesters which forced some of them to take over the Legislative Council.

"An educator ought to understand students’ views and opinions through frequent communication. Xiang Zhang urges all sectors to communicate, yet, he never attempted to interact with students," it said.

"We do not expect Xiang Zhang to support all the disobedience, but being the head of the highest institution, he shall take up the responsibility to protect and defend the students," the students said.

The statement said the students will continue to defend the freedom of expression at HKU and demanded that the vice-chancellor withdraw his statement.

Zhang had issued a statement shortly after the storming of Legco saying he is “disheartened by the violence that occurred”, and that he “would like to condemn such destructive acts.”

Following a backlash, the vice-chancellor then issued a statement on July 10 after accepting a petition from students, alumni and faculty who expressed concerns over his comments.

Zhang clarified that he is against violence “of any kind, by any party, and at any juncture” and “It was never my intention to please or to place blame.”

He added that he does not believe any student or staff who participate in “peaceful and lawful social movements” will ever face disciplinary action by the university.

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